8 Best Hotels in Fribourg and Neuchâtel, Switzerland

In the pedestrian zone at the foot of the château, this delightful, entirely environmentally friendly hotel offers light, modern, spacious guest rooms with warm color schemes inspired by the spices for which they are named. Cheaper rooms are a bargain but share a bath (they have their own sinks in the room). The café and terrace offer inexpensive but good organic fare, much of which comes from their nearby farm in Montezillon.

Standing outside the gates of Gruyères, this family-friendly hotel shares the same views of the valley and castle as in-town lodgings, but without the noise. The decor in the guest rooms mixes regional antiques, handsome woodwork, and ceramic stoves with contrasting color schemes. Although the hotel doesn't have a restaurant, breakfast is served in the dining room. Additional meal plans are offered using the restaurant of the sister property Hostellerie St-Georges.

In a typical 17th-century sandstone house, this hotel is within walking distance of museums, churches, the cathedral, and Old Town. The hotel is friendly and familial; all the rooms have been renovated, but the old-world charm has not been lost. It's on Fribourg's main street, so ask for a back room if you are a light sleeper.

Right on cobblestoned Rue du Bourg, this beckoning small hotel has large, airy rooms that tastefully mix bright Tuscan colors with traditional pine furnishings. Rooms in the rear overlook the valley, and front rooms gaze out on the village. The honeymoon suite, with its pretty four-poster bed, is ideal for a romantic getaway. The restaurant serves steaming fondue, raclette, local trout, and other Swiss dishes. Special low rates in the quiet season are attractive.

At this attractive seven-story hotel, guests are treated to modern, quiet, and spacious studiolike rooms at very good prices. The location is central, but if you want views, easy parking, or glitch-free Wi-Fi, spend a few more francs to stay elsewhere. It's blessed with an elevator—not always the case in Switzerland—so there's no need to worry about luggage transport.

This long-established family hotel is about a block from Estavayer's harbor. It makes up for the lack of a view with quiet guest rooms, all of which have been modernized (one has a whirlpool tub). There are lots of on-site activities, including a kids' play area in the garden. There's a restaurant and a café, with terrace and garden dining in season.

With an ideal setting, the Schiff has a sheltered terrace overlooking a shady park and waterfront promenade. Inside, you'll find an eclectic collection of heavy wood furniture and antiques, sometimes overwhelmed by the floral wallpapers that can make some guest rooms feel cluttered. The gourmet restaurant, Lord Nelson, has lake views and wraps around the garden. Specialties include local fish and inventive combination dishes such as beef tournedos and giant shrimp. Bicycles are welcome, and the staff can help you rent one in town.

A cloister in the 17th century and an inn during the cattle-market days of the 18th and 19th centuries, this sophisticated auberge now has a striking blend of minimalist furnishings and medieval details. In the guest rooms, whitewashed stone walls hide TVs, and sleek bathrooms include elegant vanities. The cozy restaurant (closed Sunday evening, Monday, and Tuesday) serves gourmet seasonal cuisine under an original vaulted ceiling.